Coronado

Coronado lies across the bay from downtown San Diego and forms the centerpiece of its views.  The island, really a peninsula, was recognized for its fortunate location by the California Indians who left behind mounds of shells and nuts.  The Spaniards named the area for the islands off the coast which they had previously named "Los Coronados" or the "crowned ones" for feast day of four martyred saints.

American whalers used the area for a safe harbor while California was under Spanish rule, building hide huts for shelter.  For all of that, it was the jack rabbits who populated Coronado until 1885 when four American developers bought the land and organized the Coronado Beach Company in 1886.

Recognizing a resort area waiting to happen, the new owners began laying out streets, water systems, setting up a ferry system and planning a  hotel.  The first sale of lots was held November 13, 1886 and by the end of the day over 350 lots had sold for prices that ranged from $500 to $1,600. 

With residents and tourists pouring in, the investors hired James and Watson Reid to build their hotel.  The Hotel del Coronado opened for business in February 1888.  It has been a landmark ever since hosting 13 presidents, royalty and numerous other prestigious guest.

In addition to tourists, Coronado is known as the birthplace of naval aviation.  Glen Curtiss opened his flying camp on the undeveloped land of North Island in 1911 and started training pilots including the Navy's first aviator, Lieutenant Ellyson. With the start of WWI, the area was appropriated by Congress and two airfields were commissioned.  Still operating today, North Island is home to three carriers and over 230 aircraft.

North Island was also the jump off point for Charles Lindbergh who left from there for New York May 9, 1927 on the first leg of his historic flight.

Today Coronado is still a major tourist attraction for its beaches, consistently voted among the top 10 in the country; its restored  shopping area, winner of one of the Great American Main Street Awards in 2000; and its outdoor recreational opportunities, swimming, surfing, sailing, biking, skating and more.

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